Self-sustaining Biodomes to boost ecotourism in UAE

Baharash Architecture have been tasked with the design of three self-sustaining biodomes in the Al Hajar Mountains in the UAE.

Baharash Architecture

Baharash Architecture has been tasked with the design of three self-sustaining biodomes in the Al Hajar Mountains.

Baharash Architecture

The design provides visitors a sense of being outside in nature, while also being protected from the elements.

Baharash Architecture

The structures will be made from prefabricated components to minimise disruption and allow fast assembly on site.

Baharash Architecture

The Biodomes will provide facilities for a wildlife conservation centre, as well as an adventure-based wilderness retreat.

Ecotourism is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism industry andby 2021, United Arab Emirates is expected to attract 45 million visitors, some of which will be looking to visit UAE’s stunning Al Hajar Mountains in the eastern region of UAE.

Yet uncontrolled conventional tourism may cause damage to these natural areas, such as increased pollution, soil erosion, and loss of natural habitats, says Baharash Architecture. The recently launched Biodomes project by Baharash Architecture aims to counter these problems and raise awareness on the importance of mountain biodiversity through educational programmes.

The projectaims to boost ecotourism and conserve the mountainous regions of UAE, which are home to rare species of Arabian wildlife. The Biodomes will be located in the Al Hajar Mountains and will provide facilities for a wildlife conservation centre, as well as an adventure-based wilderness retreat.

Video credit: Baharash Architecture

Baharash Architecture has been tasked with the design which features three self-sustaining biodomes. The structures will be made from prefabricated components to minimise disruption and allow fast assembly on site. The semi-subterranean typology provides passive cooling benefits and is “in harmony with nature” explains Baharash Bagherian, Design Director and Founder of Baharash Architecture. “The bioclimatic indoor environments will provide visitors with thermal comfort, restorative and therapeutic benefits”.

The design provides visitors with a unique experience and a sense of being outside in nature, while also being protected from the elements. Visitors will also enjoy organic local cuisine in the restaurant which offers amazing views of the beautiful landscape. Some of the project’s environmental features include 100% renewable energy, recycling wastewater on site for irrigation and onsite waste management.